AU Looks to Boost Vaccine Manufacturing Capabilities

Apr 17 , 2021


[ssba-buttons]

The African Union (AU) Commission signaled its intent to see the continent's capacity to manufacture vaccines against the COVID-19, signing a memorandum of understanding with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) last week. Currently, only two percent of vaccine trials take place in Africa. The partnership aims to strengthen ties between the two organisations and the Africa CDC - a specialised institution in the continent responsible for preventing and controlling diseases in Africa. The AU wants CDC Africa to enhance research and development in vaccine manufacturing, and strengthen pandemic preparedness on the continent. In early 2020, Ethiopia became the first African country to join CEPI, which was first established at Davos in 2017 to develop vaccines against future epidemics.


Radar

State-Owned Enterprises Deliver, But Fund Seeks More from Underperformers

Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), the country's sovereign wealth fund, closed its annual performance review with a mix of strong gains and lingering concerns across its portfolio of state-owned enterprises. Ethiopian Shipping & Logistics led the year with 4.5 million tons of cargo, driving revenues up 90pc and doubling pre-tax profit. Sugar production from Wonji Shoa, Metehara, and Fincha climbed 34.8pc to 163,290 tons, nearly doubling revenues to 15.6 billion Br, though EIH flagged ch...


Radar

MIDROC Cocoa Drive, Local Production Focus on Value Addition

MIDROC Investment Group is placing a bold wager on cocoa in the lowlands of Sheka. Building on extensive trials at the Bebeka Coffee State Farm, the company has introduced globally prized Forastero, Trinitario, and Criollo varieties alongside coffee. "The results are astonishing," said General Manager Beshada Worku, pointing to international prices that range from 8,200 to 14,000 dollars a ton. The project's first phase covers 50 hectares, with 44,000 seedlings already planted. Expansion to ...


Radar

Bureau Maps Out 1,700 Land Rights in a Month

The Rights Registration & Holding Service Directorate under the Bureau of Land Development & Administration prepared over 1,700 landholding certification maps in a single month. The update came during the bureau's July performance review, which measured progress against the upcoming fiscal year's targets. Director Tesfamichael Endale said efforts are being scaled up to give farmers secure land rights and quicker certification. Deputy Head WendwossenBanjaw added that the priority ahead...